WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As part of our countdown to the season, we will give you the inside scoop on one of our 16 players. With four days left until the home opener, we introduce junior Sam Epenesa, a 6-0 outside hitter from Glen Carbon, Ill.
In 2013, Epenesa saw action in all 35 matches, starting 23, while averaging 2.30 kills per set, third most on the team and second among returning players in 2014. She put up double-digit kills eight times, while leading the team on six occasions, and racking up a career-best 16 putdowns against No. 5 Penn State.
The daughter of Eppy and Stephanie Epenesa came to Purdue as the No. 33 player among Prep Volleyball's Senior Aces, a Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 Selection and a second team All-American. The hotel and tourism management major has three brothers.
Let's get to know Sam a little bit better.
Sweet or Salty: Sweet
Chocolate or Vanilla:Chocolate
Dogs or Cats:Dogs
Vacation - At the beach or in the mountains: Beach
Coolest place I've ever been: The entire Europe trip - Venice, Italy
Person I look up to the most: My mama
Best feeling - stuff block or big kill: Stuff block
Best feeling - service ace or big diving save: Service ace
Three words that describe me:I am huge
One more to describe my game: Efficient
Team I am most excited to play in 2014: Minnesota
My most memorable sports moment: Win over Illinois in NCAA Sweet 16
Celebrity crush: Colin Kaepernick
Best non-athletic talent: Singing
Dream job: Travel agent
Song I have to listen to before a game: Shake Ya Pom Pom by Missy Elliot
Favorite sweet treat: Talenti gelato
Favorite ice cream flavor: Caramel pecan swirl
Favorite holiday: Veteran's Day - My birthday 11/11
Favorite sport besides volleyball: Soccer to play, football to watch
Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals
Favorite athlete: Yadier Molina
Favorite TV Shows: Justice League, Pretty Little Liars, Scandal, Walking Dead
Favorite Movies: Nacho Libre or any Disney princess movie
Favorite Book: Pride & Prejudice
Favorite Musical Artist: Christina Aguilera
Favorite Type of Pizza: Hawaiian - ham and pineapple with bell peppers